The State Building Commission has cleared another hurdle for improvements at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Bledsoe and Van Buren Counties, State Representative Ron Travis (R–Dayton) and State Representative Cameron Sexton (R–Crossville) announced Wednesday.

The approval means state leaders have given the green light to open bids and select a vendor for the construction of several park projects, which include upgrading the old wing of the park’s hotel, the addition of a geothermal HVAC system, and kitchen upgrades. Once complete, the renovation projects will represent a $9.46 million investment in the community.

“These improvements at Fall Creek Falls will provide both residents and visitors with an even better experience at one of our state’s most premier parks,” said Rep. Travis.

“It is always exciting to see new projects underway at our state parks,” said House Speaker Beth Harwell (R–Nashville). “I am proud of the State Building Commission for moving forward with these projects, and I thank Representative Travis and Representative Sexton for their strong support for Fall Creek Falls.”

Rep. Travis and his wife, Laura, live in the Dayton community in Rhea County. He represents the 31st House District, which includes all of Bledsoe, Sequatchie, Rhea and a portion of Roane County.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will again be part of the Nature Fest held on Tuesday, April 16 through Friday, April 19 at Pennebaker Hall on the Tennessee Tech University campus. The event highlights the wonderful, natural diversity found on the Cumberland Plateau through lectures, hikes and hands-on activities. The event is free and great for families. ... (click for more)

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is advising the public that a .73 mile segment of the Yellow Trail in Chickamauga Battlefield will be closed effective March 27, and will remain closed until further notice. The section of trail that is closed runs parallel to Reed’s Bridge Road, in between the parking pull-off areas for the Blue Trail and the Green Trail. ... (click for more)

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam on Tuesday unveiled additions to the FY 2015-2016 budget that will be considered by the General Assembly in the coming weeks, including added funding for K-12. The governor last week met with school superintendents from the largest systems in the state over the issue of state funding for K-12. The next day, the Hamilton County Schools joined ... (click for more)

A city detective who was arrested twice in four months has been fired by Police Chief Fred Fletcher. David Catchings had been charged with DUI last September and then with domestic assault at the end of the year. Police said, "After a complete review of both investigations – which included recommendations from Internal Affairs, the Administrative Review Committee and Officer ... (click for more)

March 30 has been set aside as National Doctors’ Day since 1933 as a time to recognize the contributions made by our physicians. While the recognition is appreciated, our greatest satisfaction comes from caring for our patients. For 132 years, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society has been the physicians’ voice as we worked together to improve health of our community. ... (click for more)

About 51 years ago, right after Jim Creel had graduated from the University of Texas and was in Guadalajara for medical school, he was surprised to find a complete stranger sitting on his battered and dusty Volkswagen. “He had seen my Longhorns sticker and was thrilled to find somebody else in Mexico who loved the University of Texas. “That’s when our friendship started and it ... (click for more)